HOW TO TIPS....Installing RTAs

RTA's = Ready To Apply lettering & graphics

Descriptions: Vinyl lettering with transfer tape on one side and a waxy sheet on the other side. It's easy to apply.

Before you peel the backing off!

1. Assemble a few tools before you start.
Roll of masking tape, 1/2", X-acto knife with sharp blade for cutting and popping any air pockets if needed, scissors and a squeegee or you can use a credit card. ( If you own a "Rubbermaid /Tupperware or Pampered Chef Spreader Scraper thing", they work great.

2. Clean the surface of your plane or other surface where you will apply the vinyl lettering with the following products.
Distilled Alcohol can be used for any vinyl, ultracoat or monokote covering. ALWAYS TEST A SAMPLE FIRST BUT DO NOT USE Distilled Alcohol ON PAINTED SURFACES.Windex can be used to clean the paint, but DO NOT APPLY VINYL WITH WINDEX as the Ammonia cuts the adhesive. A good alternative if your not comfortable applying vinyl is a Wet Application using a cup of water with just barely a drop of soap in a spray bottle. When applying vinyl with no transfer tape, I slip a small cotton sock over the squeegee so as not to scratch the vinyl.

3. Lay your pre-cut letter panel into position on your wing or surface, and tape across one edge.(usually the top).
This makes it act like a hinge. Flip it over so that the waxy type paper is on the top side and carefully peel the waxy paper backing off at a slight angle to the vertical direction of the letters. It doesn't work very well if you try to pull the tacky transfer tape off when it is on the top side.

4. Bring back over towards you holding the tacky transfer tape off of the surface, but with in a few inches or less depending on the size of your vinyl application.

5. Take a careful and narrow swipe across the top edge to set the tape in a firm position. Last chance to check positioning or bail out if you don't like the look. For single line name strips, work your way down from the top half way on each letter all the way across and then go for it. The rule of thumb on application varies depending on the size of your project but generally it is to start in the middle or shortest distance across your vinyl letter or graphic and work your way out to the edges.

6. Make sure to go over ALL the vinyl surfaces, and then remove the tacky transfer tape slowly and carefully. NOTE: If you use the wet application method, let the vinyl set for about 15 minutes or so, and spray the top transfer tape paper with water to soften it to release from the vinyl. Ta Da! You're finished.

TIPS TO USE with bigger letters or long strips: I tape across the top as above, then will cut the RTA up from bottom to the top and then lay down one section at a time. OR try the Soapy Water wet application. Pin Striping is usually always put on without the transfer tape with your thumb held across the width and stretching slightly. Tap down in spots along the way and then smooth the whole length down.

Please call us if you need assistance. Thanks for choosing Maple Valley Signs!